A numerical investigation on the flow characteristics and aerodynamic performances of mechanical/fluidic hybrid shock vector control nozzles

A method of mechanical / fluidic hybrid is proposed to overcome the shortcoming of low thrust vector efficiency of conventional shock vector control (SVC) nozzle. The mechanism of mechanical / fluidic hybrid SVC nozzle were analyzed numerically, followed by the effects of key aerodynamic and geometric parameters. Results show that thrust vector efficiency of mechanical / fluidic hybrid SVC nozzles is about 50%-75% higher than that of conventional SVC nozzles, which greatly reduces the airflow consumption and thrust loss. The induced shock waves are mainly affected by the axial relative position (Xj) and the relative height (h) of the inserted plate, and the secondary flow pressure ratio (SPR). When the induced shock wave intersects with the nozzle's upper lip, the maximum thrust vector angle is obtained. The maximum thrust vector efficiency of 3.68 is obtained at Xj = 0.5, h = 0.3, NPR = 6, SPR = 0.6.